Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Falcons' defender Auk MTU-bound

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons have announced the commitment of defenseman Mark Evan Auk to play NCAA Division I hockey at Michigan Tech University, a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Auk, a 17-year-old defenseman from Grosse Pointe Park, is currently in his first year with the Fighting Falcons after leading the University Liggett Knights to the Division 3 Michigan state high school hockey championship last year.

Auk ranks in the top 10 in scoring for all NAHL defensemen with two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 20 games.

“Mark Evan is just starting to develop into a top defenseman and Michigan Tech will be getting an excellent player and person when Mark Evan steps on that campus,” said Port Huron coach-GM Michael Gershon. “We have tried to make sure that he is playing two-way hockey, but his offensive abilities have shined through. He takes good care of the puck and continues to be a very pleasant surprise for us this season.”

Auk was named the Combat Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month back in September, where he recorded eight points from the blueline (two goals, six assists) in 10 games played during the month, helping the Fighting Falcons to first place in the North Division during the month.

“It has been the best year so far for me in hockey-wise and I have learned a lot in just the couple of months that I have been here,” said Auk. “At this level, mistakes can really cost you, so I have tried to make smart decisions with and without the puck. I think we have a smart and experienced team. We get better as the game goes along and I think that has played into our success thus far.”

Auk becomes the second player to commit to college this season for the Fighting Falcons after Ian Miller, who had previously committed to Lake Superior State.